Community Involvement

Oudrif is involved in Pet Sterilisation project in the greater Clanwilliam area. The projects focus on sterilisation of disadvantaged dogs and cats in rural areas.

Jeanine Mitchell is co-owner and co-manager of Oudrif. In addition to making meals, hosting and taking guests on guided tours, Jeanine harbours an enduring passion: Sterilise animals to prevent more unwanted pets and feral colonies occurring in this sensitive environment.

The greatest threat to African Wild cat is hybridisation with pet and feral cats.

People in rural areas often host pet and feral cats to keep out rats, scorpions and snakes which leads to increasing colonies of
these cats if not sterilised. These colonies are further enhanced by interbreeding between the African Wildcat and the domestic and feral cat.

Jeanine has established a partnership with a Cape Town vet (Dr Annelize Roos) to sterilize as many of the domestic and feral cats as possible (Trap Neuter Release Program). To-date, she has funded the sterilisation of 2500 animals of a target 6000 at an average cost of R350 per cat.

She raises the funds from donations or out of her own pocket and making compassion bracelets and handmade body lotion that is sold to raise funding and awareness, while Oudrif supplies logistical and financial support.

Would you like to assist our Cedarberg Cat woman who, in addition to sterilisation, uses the opportunity to educate the general population about this issue?

What our guests and the press say…

Oudrif Facebook Feed

Oudrif is a fully catered lodge situated on the banks of the Doring River at the Northern foothills of the Cederberg. Providing stylish accommodation in 5 individual straw bale cottages, for people who relish peace and quiet. Winter rains bring the largest outdoor flower display in the world; the pristine river provides opportunity for paddling, swimming, fishing and sun bathing on secluded beaches. The area whispers of our past from Stone Age tools to San rock art. Our rates include - all meals, beer, wine and soft drinks served in the central boma; daily guided walks and excursions. You just need to jump in your car with your clothes and toothbrush, we provide everything else.
Our eco-friendly lodge accommodates a maximum of ten guests. We are solar powered so you can turn off all your devices and enjoy true peace and quiet. The straw bale cottages are environmentally friendly, providing excellent insulation in both hot and cold weather thus reducing the need for conventional power; there are fans for summer and gas heaters in winter.

Kukumakranka flowering at Oudrif. In the past the dried fruits were often used to scent handkerchiefs and linen cupboards. A dilute infusion of the flowers of G. spiralis was used to ease teething troubles and its skin was applied to bruises and insect bites. Today the edible fruits of G. afra are still used to make kukumakranka brandy, we use it to flavour gin :)